This was one of those weird little bottlings that I brought in some 18 months ago on a whim, largely because I had a personal connection to the wine that goes way back. Even though D’Arenberg’s wines aren’t widely available locally (or even that well known anymore, despite their excellent quality and track record) this wine was sort of an underground bestseller for us in the mid-$20s red blend set. Then we couldn’t get it anymore and several of you were bummed. Like, seriously bummed. It took a lot of work (as y’all are just about the only ones buying this wine in the entire state!) but I finally convinced the supplier to send us some more as a special order. Now it’s here, just for you!
This blend of Shiraz (94%) and Viognier (6%) is a distinctly Australian nod to the classic wines of the Cote Rotie in the Northern Rhone (but for a much, much better price). Adding Viognier, a floral, musky white wine to a robust red like Syrah/Shiraz may seem a bit odd at first, but the floral lift it brings in small amounts to the burly, meaty, peppery red variety works wonders. And they actually use the super old-school method of foot-treading for some of the grapes here…how cool is that?! And it’s got some good press as well!
“Quite a savory expression with dark plums, dried blackberries and violets, as well as fine-ground, toasted brown-spice notes, such as cloves, cardamon and mace. The palate holds a compact, flavorful stance with fine tannins wrapping dark-fruit flavors and cocoa-like notes neatly into the finish.” 90pts James Suckling
“Compact and juicy but oozing with raspberry, currant and kirsch flavors; malty Assam tea, anise and sage details and dried ginger notes that linger on the finish. Delivers dense tannins. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now.” 90pts The Wine Spectator
We convinced the supplier to special order us four six-packs of this wine for those who had been requesting it, and when it’s gone, it’s likely gonna be awhile until we see any more. In other words, get it while you can!
$26.99/bottle with a $.35 Fuel-Saver!! Find this on our “Dan’s Deals from Down Under” Endcap, and in our Australian set as well.
Cheers,
Dan
Rock Bridge Wine and Spirits 